Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90337 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
I blink, forcing my attention back to Brian, who is now motioning toward a row of plaques hung on the wall at the end of the narrow hallway. “Yes? I apologize, I was working the numbers in my head.”
“Of course, no problem,” Brian says with a nervous laugh. “Just wanted to point out all the Better Business Bureau awards. They’ve really made a name for themselves over the years. When people hear Duncan Shipping, they know they’re in good hands.”
I grunt softly, growing bored with Brian’s schtick. Whether it’s idiocy or a fumbling attempt at deception, my time is too valuable to waste.
It’s time to remind Brian why I led one of the city’s top-performing private equity firms before launching my own and driving even greater returns.
“The awards are impressive, and you’ve done a good job advocating for your client,” I say, softening the blow a bit before getting real with the kid. “But those awards are all fifteen years old, and the operating costs are sky high for a business of this size. Your facilities are in disrepair, and in need of a comprehensive update, not only for efficiency’s sake but to avoid half a dozen OSHA violations.”
He exhales a stuttering breath. “Well, I don’t know about that, but—”
“Well, I do,” I cut in. “I’ve turned around seventeen manufacturing facilities in the last decade. Your ventilation system alone is going to cost north of two million to bring up to code.”
Brian shifts uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Not sure about that, either, but my client believes the brand value alone is in the high—”
“The brand was valuable fifteen years ago. Now, it’s a liability. You’re trading on a reputation you can no longer support with your current infrastructure or performance over the past six years.” I roll my shoulders back, offering a tight smile. “But I’m still interested. I’m prepared to offer thirty-two million. Final offer. Discuss it with your client and get back to me at your convenience. The offer’s good through close of business next Friday.”
His eyes widen at the figure, a full twelve million less than their asking price. “Well, thank you, Mr. Mendelssohn, but I don’t think—”
“That’s fine. You don’t have to think, Brian. Just deliver the message.” I lift a hand as I back down the hall. “I think meeting the office staff can wait until we’ve decided whether we’re moving forward. Have a good day. I’ll show myself out.”
Leaving Brian gaping, I stride back down the depressing hall, with its flickering fluorescent lights. At the base of the stairs, I pull out my phone, dialing my mother’s number as I move back through the warehouse.
I need to keep my focus on why Elaina’s really here. She’s not my woman of the moment; she’s the woman who’s going to help me give my mother the send-off she deserves.
The sooner we move on to that phase of the plan, the better.
And I need to get out of the apartment. The more time I spend alone with her, the deeper she gets under my skin.
“Hunter?” Mom answers after the third ring. She sounds tired but pleased. “Good morning, sweetheart. I assumed you’d be working all day today, catching up after your vacation.”
“I’m caught up,” I say, lifting a hand to the foreman I met earlier as I exit the warehouse and turn left, moving down the dock toward the park that runs beside the river. “And missing a home-cooked meal after all that lobster and chowder. Looking forward to a real dinner tonight.”
She chuckles. “You are so spoiled. Only you would complain about too much lobster. But yes, me, too. I’m so excited to see you. And I already ordered all the ingredients for those short ribs you like.”
“Fabulous,” I say. “But don’t worry about cooking if you’re not feeling up to it. I can come early and take care of it. Or feel free to ask Katie to stay and start the meal if you’d rather. I’m happy to add extra hours to her check.” Katie, the companion I hired to keep Mom company, has been every bit as valuable as the nurses, helping Mom continue to cook and visit the park and museums and other things she enjoyed before her health took a turn for the worse.
“Oh, nonsense, I can handle it, and Nurse Nina is here in the afternoon if the pan is too heavy for me to get in the oven,” she says. “And I have all day. I’ll pace myself and be fine. The pain and dizziness aren’t too bad this morning. So far, it’s a good day.”
A good day…
She doesn’t have as many of those as she used to, just another reason to move forward with the plan with Elaina as swiftly as possible.
“Glad to hear it,” I say. “I’ll be there at six thirty. And…the real reason I called. I wanted you to know that I’ll be bringing a friend. If that’s okay with you.”